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Performance of a Successive Alkalinity Producing System (SAPS)
Unlike net alkaline minewater that can in certain cases be readily treated in aerobic wetlands, net acid minewater requires distinct treatment. Treatment can potentially be achieved using a Successive Alkalinity Producing System (SAPS) which comprises passing the minewater vertically through a layer of substrate overlying a limestone bed. Assessment of such a system used to treat a minewater discharge in South Wales, UK indicates that iron removal is aerobic resulting in accumulation of surface ochre precipitates. As a result, this leads to a reduction in vertical bed permeability. Without on-going management, this can cause over-spill of the SAPS. Successful long-term treatment using systems such as a SAPS requires on-going management and they should not be considered a walk-away option.